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No.5.
pp. 126 - 131
In our previous studies we have sought to make clear the profound Messianic
character of many of the Psalms, which character is clearly endorsed by the N.T. usage of
these Psalms. The majority of them are by David and the N.T. asserts that he was a
prophet as well as being a king (Acts 2: 29-31). When we consider the complete
testimony of the O.T. concerning the coming Messiah in all its detail, we can surely see
how great was Israel's responsibility, for to them the O.T. was entrusted by God
(Rom.iii.1,2). They were therefore entirely without excuse when they rejected and
crucified their Messiah, Redeemer and King. This was indeed their climax sin.
Another important character of the Psalms is their historic element. It is true to say
that there are sufficient references to places, people and events to construct a history from
Adam to the time of David and Solomon. Psalms 78:, 105: and 106: are outstanding
for the use they make of Israel's past history and the nations who came into contact with
them. We give an outline of this period from the Psalms which does not profess to be
complete, but makes clear how fully the writers of the Psalms dealt with the various
happenings and experiences of the people of Israel before their (psalmist's) time:
The creation of man
Psa. 8:
The fall
14: 2, 3; 51: 5; 58: 3
Abraham
47: 9
The Abrahamic covenant
105: 9-12, 42
Melchizedek
110: 4
Isaac
105: 9
Jacob
46: 7
Jacob the Nation
105: 10 (plural)
Joseph
77: 15
His descent into Egypt
105: 17
His imprisonment
105: 18
His deliverance and exaltation
105: 20-22
The famine in Egypt
105: 16
The descent of Jacob and family into Egypt
105: 23, 24
Israel's bondage in Egypt
105: 25
Moses and Aaron
105: 26
The plagues in Egypt
78: 12, 43-51; 105: 28-36
Israel's deliverance from Egypt
78: 51-54
The Red Sea divided
136: 13
Israel's passage through the Sea
78: 13; 106: 9
The overthrow of Pharaoh and his hosts
106: 11; 136: 15
The wilderness journey
68: 7
The cloudy and fiery pillar
78: 14
Water from the smitten rock
78: 15, 16
The manna and quails
78: 24-29
Meribah
81: 7
Israel's murmurings
78: 40
The fire of Taberah
78: 21